Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for producing an extrudate product including a plurality of capillary channel. The apparatus comprises an extruder having an inlet, a die including an orifice having a predetermined outer shape and a plurality of needles each having a body including an internal conduit for fluid flow. Each needle further comprises an outlet from the internal conduit at an outlet end. The outlet end of each needle is arranged in a predetermined pattern substantially within the orifice of the die and the conduit of each needle is fluidly connected to a fluid source. In use extrudable material is fed into the extruder through the inlet. The extruder forces the extrudable material around the bodies of the needles towards the die and through the orifice in the die to produce an extrudate having substantially the predetermined outer shape.

Abstract: The present invention’ provides extrusion-processable materials having a plurality of capillary channels therethrough, and apparatus and methods for manufacturing such materials. The capillaries may be occupied by gases, liquids or other phases. The materials may be anisotropic foams which have high voidage. The methods and apparatus include quench cooling (11) of an extrudate (2) as it exits a die (14).

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for producing an extrudate product including a plurality of capillary channel. The apparatus comprises an extruder having an inlet, a die including an orifice having a predetermined outer shape and a plurality of needles each having a body including an internal conduit for fluid flow. Each needle further comprises an outlet from the internal conduit at an outlet end. The outlet end of each needle is arranged in a predetermined pattern substantially within the orifice of the die and the conduit of each needle is fluidly connected to a fluid source. In use extrudable material is fed into the extruder through the inlet. The extruder forces the extrudable material around the bodies of the needles towards the die and through the orifice in the die to produce an extrudate having substantially the predetermined outer shape.

Abstract: A postforming process for an oriented film or tape of polymer material, which process comprises subjecting at least one layer of such an oriented film or tape to a pressure greater than ambient pressure while heating the oriented film or tape at a temperature at which partial melting thereof occurs but which does not exceed 145.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for the continuous preparation of an oriented film of a polymer material comprising shearing at least one film of a solution and/or gel of the polymer material between at least one set of two solid surfaces which are in motion relative to one another. At least one of which surfaces is endless, so as to cause by the shearing, solidification of the polymer material from the solution or gel to a degree sufficient that a coherent, oriented film of the polymer material is formed on one of the surfaces. The film is sufficiently coherent so as to be capable of being removed from the surface on which it is formed in a continuous manner.

Abstract: Apparatus for mixing or otherwise agitating fluid material comprises an elongated vessel (1) to contain the material, means (6, 7, 9, 10) to impose oscillatory motion upon the material in a lengthwise direction, and a plurality of stationary obstacles (19, 35) mounted on the inner wall (2) of the vessel and arranged in sequence lengthwise. The obstacles present sharp ridge-form tips (20, 37) each ridge pointing in a direction (30) at right angles to that of the oscillating motion. Each adjacent pair of obstacles and the length of vessel wall between them define a trough-shaped space (26) in which the oscillating motion repeatedly forms vortices and then ejects those vortices vigorously into the remainder of the fluid outside the trough, so promoting the agitation of that fluid. The invention applies particularly to cylindrical vessels in which the obstacles are ring-shaped (19) or are constituted by the successive turns of a helix (35).

Abstract: Chocolate products are formed by feeding solid set chocolate to an extruder and passing the chocolate through the extruder at a temperature below the pour point of the chocolate to deform and extrude the chocolate.